Growth, planning schools top priorities in Montgomery County District 15 race

Jul. 8, 2014

Harper/Huffman

Written by

Stephanie Ingersoll

Leaf-Chronicle

ELECTION 2014

Part of a series of election issues reports, comparing the candidates’ stands. For more in the series, go to TheLeafChronicle/election.

More

ADVERTISEMENT

CLARSKVILLE, TENN. — Infrastructure, planning and schools are key issues in the County Commission District 15 race.

Robert Huffman and David Harper are facing off for the seat.

Growth

Both Huffman and Harper said growth is a key issue impacting Montgomery County and their district.

“I believe infrastructure issues are a primary concern in the county and in the district, as well as the tendency of our local government to pay for things in a reactive manner rather than planning for our growth and needs in a proactive manner,” Harper said. “When I first moved to Clarksville, I could drive from one end of the city to the other in 15 minutes. Now, it may take 15 minutes to go to the local grocery store.”

He said infrastructure issues have begun to effect the local economy.

“We must address these concerns, as well as other infrastructure concerns, to avoid hampering our future growth and viability.”

He said he would be a proactive planner.

“We are bursting at the limits of our current infrastructure and, according to the latest projections, we will add another 70,000 to our population in the next 15 years,” he said. “The term infrastructure is often used, but I am using it as a proxy for transportation which would consist of both communications and roadways. I am also using it for utilities ... It is an absolute necessity to deliver infrastructure prior to the growth and not the other way around.”

Huffman called growth “the number one issue” impacting District 15.

“Once elected as the District 15 County Commissioner, I will work closely with all involved parties in the strategic planning process to ensure we have a viable plan for this growth that maintains the quality of life voters in District 15 have come to expect,” he said. “These quality of life issues include education, public safety and infrastructure to handle this growth.”

He said planning for infrastructure needs county-wide is important.

“Montgomery County is part of the fastest growing region in America,” he said. “We have to ensure we can move efficiently and effectively, for business and pleasure. Infrastructure includes expanding as a 1-gig county for high-speed internet service. Infrastructure and quality of life go hand in hand.”

Harper said it is important for Montgomery County schools to perform well.

“We must continue the good performance that we have had in our local school system to enable our young people to be equipped to compete in the ever increasingly competitive job market,” he said. “I have been and continue to be actively involved in both elementary schools in the district.”

What sets them apart

Both candidates say they have qualities that set them apart as the best candidate.

“I believe that I bring a unique perspective with my experience and background that will be helpful to the voters in District 15,” Harper said. “I have had the experience of working in the financial services field for the last 22 years. I am presently a business owner who has been an employee of companies in the past. This gives me a perspective on being fiscally conservative and responsible as well as being goal oriented. This has given me the experience of meeting payroll and living within my means as a business owner.”

As a student of the county school system and as a parent of a child in the school system, he said he will work diligently to get maximum results for the dollars allocated to education.

Huffman said his educational experiences, civic involvement and experience as a community leader makes him the ideal choice for the job.

In addition to obtaining a Master’s of Science in Management from Troy University, he was part of the 2013 Leadership Clarksville-Montgomery County School System and 2009 Leadership Clarksville class. He has also sat on a number of boards and councils.

“As a 30-year military member and officer, I was fortunate enough to spend the majority of my career here in Montgomery County,” he said. “Integrity, honor, trust and selflessness are values inculcated to my core being. My military record and service is why I was selected to serve on the Chief of Staff Army Retiree Council as one of 14 members selected globally to represent the 1.2 million retired soldiers, family members and annuitants. Representing the best interests of others isn’t something new to me.”